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Dreaming of thicker, longer hair? Great news: you don’t have to win the genetic lottery to have long, luscious hair. In fact, many famous heads of hair get help from extensions.

Unfortunately, extensions can sometimes get a bad wrap. Poorly chosen hair extensions can look fake and cheap. Even worse, they can damage your natural hair.

The key to having gorgeous, natural-looking hair is to select the right extensions for your hair type. But with so many options, how do you know which extensions are right for you? Take our one of a kind quiz and keep reading to find out!

How to Choose Extensions for Your Hair Type

When shopping for hair extensions, consider these three factors:

Your hair density. Is your hair fine, medium, or thick?

Your curl pattern. Do you have straight, wavy, curly, or kinky hair?

Your hair color. Will you try to match your color, or have your extensions dyed to match your hair?

Your hair thickness and curl pattern determine the method of application you should use. This is extremely important, since hair extensions are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The wrong hair extensions can place too much tension on your roots, which can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.

Once you determine the application that’s right for your hair type, you’ll choose a set that matches your curl pattern and hair color.

Types of Hair Extensions

Weave (Sew-In) Extensions:

The application process for weave hair extensions has two steps. First, natural hair is braided in cornrows from ear to ear. Then wefts are sewn into the braids with a needle and thread.

This type of hair extension is best for women with thick, coarse, or curly hair, which can better withstand the tension of the braids and the weight of the added hair.

Weave extensions are popular because they last a long time - around six to eight weeks. When installed correctly, this type of hair extension is very durable and looks seamless since the wefts are sewn directly into your natural hair. Better yet? With proper care, the wefts can be reused.

Tape-In Extensions:

Tape-in extensions sandwich your natural hair between two wefts with a special tape. Tape-in extensions can work for any hair type, but they’re the best option for women with fine, straight, or wavy hair. Since the extensions are attached with tape, they lay flat against your head. You can even wear a ponytail!

The application is relatively short – around one hour. However, tape-in extensions do not last as long as weave extensions and must be reinstalled every four to six weeks. Like weave extensions, tape-in extensions can be reused.

Tape-in extensions are not as durable as weave extensions and require special care to prevent them from slipping. For example, you must avoid oil-based products, which can cause the glue of the tape-ins to dissolve.

This type of extension is also not ideal for women who work out a lot, since sweat can cause the extensions to slide out.

Clip-In Extensions:

Clip-in extensions are the least expensive option of the three, but they’re also less permanent. In fact, they must be removed before going to bed. However, clip-In Extensions are perfect for women who want some extra length or volume for special occasions only. They also work for all hair types, and they’re great for women whose hair is too damaged or weak to withstand more permanent extensions.

Clip-In extensions come in a set with several wefts sewn onto slips. With practice, they’re easy to DIY install and only take around 10-15 minutes to apply. They’re completely reusable, but need to be shampooed every six wears.

Choosing a Color and Texture

Choosing a color can be difficult, especially if you’re shopping online. When in doubt, err on the side of darker rather than lighter, as this will create more natural results. If you want a perfect match, you can also ask your hairstylist to dye to extensions, provided that they are human hair extensions.

Pick a texture that matches how you would like your hair to look on most days. For example, if you have wavy hair but want to wear your hair straight every day, choose extensions that are straighter than your natural hair texture. This will cut down on styling time. If you want to air dry your hair, choose the texture that most closely resembles your natural hair for a seamless look.

For best results, use high-quality, natural human hair extensions like Ornami. Investing in your hair will ensure many great hair days in your future!

We've even created a quiz that matches you with your hair perfect extensions and you'll receive a free gift!